Underlynx, Wild

Medium beast, unaligned

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4); Wound Threshold 6
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	5 (-3)	13 (+1)	9 (-1)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages –
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Smell. The wild underlynx has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Pounce. If the wild underlynx moves at least 20 feet straight toward a Medium or smaller creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and grappled (escape DC 12). If the target is prone, the wild underlynx can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action. Until this grapple ends, the wild underlynx can’t make a bite attack against another target.
• Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wild underlynx has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception, Survival) checks that rely on sight.

ACTIONS

• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.

ABOUT

The underlynx (dieferluch in Duergar) is a Netherworld predator which, at first glance, appears to be no different from its surface cousins. However, this animal is endowed with a second pair of eyes, located above the first.

This allows it to see perfectly in the dark, but makes it highly sensitive to bright lights, such as the sun. Its silky, gray fur (pearl gray for the young and coal gray for adults) is ample camouflage in rocky environments.

Much bulkier and more gregarious than the surface lynx, the dieferluch is extremely territorial and ferocious. If opportunity arises, it and others of its kind can form small, tight-knit packs to defend themselves against intruders.

The underlynx tirelessly roams its territory; a string of caves connected by narrow tunnels where it regularly finds prey, attracted by food or water. At nightfall, it can even hunt on the surface, in the mountain valleys which are teeming with game compared to the caves. Such trips are rare, stealthy, and brief. The underlynx is relatively harmless for most surface dwellers. However, being a predator particularly suited to hunting small prey it is considered very dangerous to svirfneblin, halflings, and young dvaergen. It also poses a threat to unsupervised pets and familiars.

The wild dieferluch is almost impossible to train as an adult, and the species reproduces very poorly in captivity.

For these reasons, amateurs try to capture these animals at a very young age. It’s a risky business, as the parents are very protective of their offspring; more than one unlucky handler has perished from their efforts. However, after a few weeks of contact with its new masters, the underlynx considers them as members of its pack and will defend them fiercely, remaining loyal until death.

In battle, war lynxes assist their trainers by knocking targets prone, allowing the warriors to approach and strike more easily. These animals also serve as sentries, rearguards, and distractions. They are particularly popular with old stones duergar.

Adventurers who want to prove their good will to the Netherworld denizens are sometimes sent to capture kittens: the larger, the better. Presenting a baby lynx as a gift to a dignitary is also a good way to curry favor.